Welcoming week 2026
Welcoming Week runs from 4-13 September 2026 and brings communities across Aotearoa New Zealand together to celebrate inclusion, connection, and belonging.
The 2026 theme, "Together We Belong," recognises that welcoming is more than a first impression – it's about creating communities where everyone feels valued, connected, and able to participate. Belonging is something we build together through relationships, shared experiences, and everyday acts of welcome.
We invite community groups, organisations, schools, businesses, faith communities, clubs, and residents to get involved. Whether you're planning an event, incorporating the theme into an existing activity, sharing culture and stories, or creating opportunities for people to connect, every contribution helps strengthen our community.
Submit an activity or expression of interest
To support local participation, Welcoming Activities funding is available for activities that align with the principles of Welcoming Communities and help foster inclusion and belonging. Funding can assist groups in delivering events, activities, and initiatives during Welcoming Week.